Covid-19 latest: Department of Health confirms 38 additional cases

No additional deaths have occurred.

Of the 38 new cases notified, 22 are men and 16 are women, with a total of 82% under 45 years of age.

The majority of new cases, 32 of the 38, are located in Dublin or Kildare.

Over the past two days, there has been a total of 123 new cases, 84 of which are linked to known outbreaks or are close contacts of other confirmed cases.

Of these cases, 44 are located in Kildare, 33 in Dublin, 11 in Clare, 10 in Laois, 8 in Limerick and the remaining 17 are located across 10 counties.

Dr Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health has said "mass testing" has now taken place in relation to a number of known outbreaks.

"We may be beginning to see more cases which we cannot link to outbreaks or close contacts. 

"The National Public Health Emergency Team will continue to monitor this situation closely over the coming days," he continued. 

A survey of GP's has indicated that the vast majority of patients who had contacted them with Covid-like symptoms in the past week had not been self-isolating since the onset of their symptoms.

Commenting on this, Dr Glynn said the importance of isolating as soon as you have any flu-like symptoms "cannot be overstated". 

"Without this individual action we simply will not break the chains of transmission and we will put many people at risk of infection.

"It is important that people know that there is no charge for GP or testing services relating to Covid-19. 

"Please do not hesitate to contact your GP if you have any concerns," he continued. 

Ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend, Dr Glynn urged the public to abide by six pieces of advice. 

"This weekend, the six key things people need to do are limit the size of your network and time you spend with them, keep your distance, meet up outside if possible, wash your hands, wear a face covering and download the Covid Tracker App," he said. 

So far 1,763 patients diagnosed with Covid-19 have passed away.